• Helicobacter pylori
• reflux oesophagitis

We read with considerable interest the paper by Kuipers et al (Gut 2004;53:12–20) which found no significant adverse impact on the severity of reflux disease or its control after two years of omeprazole therapy following H pylori eradication, during which time gastritis largely healed. In the commentary by McColl (Gut 2004;53:5–7), it is stated that although published data are conflicting, Schwizer et al reported improvement in reflux symptoms following H pylori treatment.¹ Our preliminary published data,² which are in accordance with those of Schwizer and colleagues,¹ consisted of a small cohort of 69 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Forty patients were treated with omeprazole (20 mg/day) plus trimebutine (600 mg/day) for three months (group A) and 29 were treated with omeprazole (20 mg/day) as monotherapy …